Update on Idle dipping and fluctuation problem

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Hodgeee

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Figured this could be very useful if someone else has this problem. Had a rpm drop of 200rpms when coming to a complete stop, and idle surging also, which would cause the vehicle to lurch forward, almost hitting curbs and cars at lights.

Had at two different dealerships, and no one after every possible other check could not fix or find the problem. Was suggested to replace the throttle body, and even the ECM. Put a new Hitachi throttle body on the vehicle, and it fixed the issue for two days, then slowely problem returned. Did the idle relearn procedure countless times to no avail.

Finally had a diagnostician come to the house, and with a Snap On diagnostic tool found that the throttle body open position, was off by 80% of the desired position, along with a hidden lean code on both banks. The vehicle when i bought it had a Dorman TB on it, and it had the problem since I got the truck. He said that these values need to match or be within 10%, except at idle. He then adjusted the numbers with the tool. When at light throttle the vehicle indicated 15 degrees, but the desired position was at 30%. This cleared the lean codes, as it was giving fuel for much smaller than the air coming into the vehicle. The vehicle has now picked up significant power, and the gas mileage has increased, but mostly the rpm dip and idle surge have been irradicated.

Finally he explained that the idle reset only helps set the idle, but also can cause huge rpm related items. He stated that the idle relearn only helps when you clean the throttle body, but when you put in a new unit, it has to be relearned and sometimes adjusted to work correctly. Even sometimes the idle relearn, or reset does not work without a high end scan tool to adjust this, so he recommends to not clean a really dirty TB, cause it causes problems like mine, unless its original and recieves regular cleanings. He states that this applies to all 2000 to current Tahoes or Yukons, and Denali.

Ive been trying to fix this for months, and like stated, had two dealerships that couldn't figure it out. And he did it right after I explained the problem. Hopefully this will help others that have related problems.

p.s. He stated that a ECM reset does not erase the memory, or a disconnect of power as some people have discribed. The ECM has an internal storage that holds running data, that can only be erased with a proper scan tool only. The reset can fix some issues. I have found that many electic items when replaced must be Flashed to your ECM, like the stereo, or the fuel pump control module, or the THROTTLE BODY!
 

adnan-1992

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Hi Hodgee,

I have registered on this forum just to say thank you.

By the way, the previous thread that you made was ending without solving the problem.

I will reply there with the link of this thread for people to see the solution.

thank you very much
 

Geotrash

Dave
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Figured this could be very useful if someone else has this problem. Had a rpm drop of 200rpms when coming to a complete stop, and idle surging also, which would cause the vehicle to lurch forward, almost hitting curbs and cars at lights.

Had at two different dealerships, and no one after every possible other check could not fix or find the problem. Was suggested to replace the throttle body, and even the ECM. Put a new Hitachi throttle body on the vehicle, and it fixed the issue for two days, then slowely problem returned. Did the idle relearn procedure countless times to no avail.

Finally had a diagnostician come to the house, and with a Snap On diagnostic tool found that the throttle body open position, was off by 80% of the desired position, along with a hidden lean code on both banks. The vehicle when i bought it had a Dorman TB on it, and it had the problem since I got the truck. He said that these values need to match or be within 10%, except at idle. He then adjusted the numbers with the tool. When at light throttle the vehicle indicated 15 degrees, but the desired position was at 30%. This cleared the lean codes, as it was giving fuel for much smaller than the air coming into the vehicle. The vehicle has now picked up significant power, and the gas mileage has increased, but mostly the rpm dip and idle surge have been irradicated.

Finally he explained that the idle reset only helps set the idle, but also can cause huge rpm related items. He stated that the idle relearn only helps when you clean the throttle body, but when you put in a new unit, it has to be relearned and sometimes adjusted to work correctly. Even sometimes the idle relearn, or reset does not work without a high end scan tool to adjust this, so he recommends to not clean a really dirty TB, cause it causes problems like mine, unless its original and recieves regular cleanings. He states that this applies to all 2000 to current Tahoes or Yukons, and Denali.

Ive been trying to fix this for months, and like stated, had two dealerships that couldn't figure it out. And he did it right after I explained the problem. Hopefully this will help others that have related problems.

p.s. He stated that a ECM reset does not erase the memory, or a disconnect of power as some people have discribed. The ECM has an internal storage that holds running data, that can only be erased with a proper scan tool only. The reset can fix some issues. I have found that many electic items when replaced must be Flashed to your ECM, like the stereo, or the fuel pump control module, or the THROTTLE BODY!
Wow. Super helpful, thank you!
 

j91z28d1

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wow. not once had heard of being able to adjust throttle position with a scanner. that's amazing hidden info.
 

swathdiver

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Figured this could be very useful if someone else has this problem. Had a rpm drop of 200rpms when coming to a complete stop, and idle surging also, which would cause the vehicle to lurch forward, almost hitting curbs and cars at lights.

Had at two different dealerships, and no one after every possible other check could not fix or find the problem. Was suggested to replace the throttle body, and even the ECM. Put a new Hitachi throttle body on the vehicle, and it fixed the issue for two days, then slowely problem returned. Did the idle relearn procedure countless times to no avail.

Finally had a diagnostician come to the house, and with a Snap On diagnostic tool found that the throttle body open position, was off by 80% of the desired position, along with a hidden lean code on both banks. The vehicle when i bought it had a Dorman TB on it, and it had the problem since I got the truck. He said that these values need to match or be within 10%, except at idle. He then adjusted the numbers with the tool. When at light throttle the vehicle indicated 15 degrees, but the desired position was at 30%. This cleared the lean codes, as it was giving fuel for much smaller than the air coming into the vehicle. The vehicle has now picked up significant power, and the gas mileage has increased, but mostly the rpm dip and idle surge have been irradicated.

Finally he explained that the idle reset only helps set the idle, but also can cause huge rpm related items. He stated that the idle relearn only helps when you clean the throttle body, but when you put in a new unit, it has to be relearned and sometimes adjusted to work correctly. Even sometimes the idle relearn, or reset does not work without a high end scan tool to adjust this, so he recommends to not clean a really dirty TB, cause it causes problems like mine, unless its original and recieves regular cleanings. He states that this applies to all 2000 to current Tahoes or Yukons, and Denali.

Ive been trying to fix this for months, and like stated, had two dealerships that couldn't figure it out. And he did it right after I explained the problem. Hopefully this will help others that have related problems.

p.s. He stated that a ECM reset does not erase the memory, or a disconnect of power as some people have discribed. The ECM has an internal storage that holds running data, that can only be erased with a proper scan tool only. The reset can fix some issues. I have found that many electic items when replaced must be Flashed to your ECM, like the stereo, or the fuel pump control module, or the THROTTLE BODY!
Seems like you've found a good mechanic or diagnostician! Keep that number and hand it out frequently!
 

phil57

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Nov 23, 2016
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Figured this could be very useful if someone else has this problem. Had a rpm drop of 200rpms when coming to a complete stop, and idle surging also, which would cause the vehicle to lurch forward, almost hitting curbs and cars at lights.

Had at two different dealerships, and no one after every possible other check could not fix or find the problem. Was suggested to replace the throttle body, and even the ECM. Put a new Hitachi throttle body on the vehicle, and it fixed the issue for two days, then slowely problem returned. Did the idle relearn procedure countless times to no avail.

Finally had a diagnostician come to the house, and with a Snap On diagnostic tool found that the throttle body open position, was off by 80% of the desired position, along with a hidden lean code on both banks. The vehicle when i bought it had a Dorman TB on it, and it had the problem since I got the truck. He said that these values need to match or be within 10%, except at idle. He then adjusted the numbers with the tool. When at light throttle the vehicle indicated 15 degrees, but the desired position was at 30%. This cleared the lean codes, as it was giving fuel for much smaller than the air coming into the vehicle. The vehicle has now picked up significant power, and the gas mileage has increased, but mostly the rpm dip and idle surge have been irradicated.

Finally he explained that the idle reset only helps set the idle, but also can cause huge rpm related items. He stated that the idle relearn only helps when you clean the throttle body, but when you put in a new unit, it has to be relearned and sometimes adjusted to work correctly. Even sometimes the idle relearn, or reset does not work without a high end scan tool to adjust this, so he recommends to not clean a really dirty TB, cause it causes problems like mine, unless its original and recieves regular cleanings. He states that this applies to all 2000 to current Tahoes or Yukons, and Denali.

Ive been trying to fix this for months, and like stated, had two dealerships that couldn't figure it out. And he did it right after I explained the problem. Hopefully this will help others that have related problems.

p.s. He stated that a ECM reset does not erase the memory, or a disconnect of power as some people have discribed. The ECM has an internal storage that holds running data, that can only be erased with a proper scan tool only. The reset can fix some issues. I have found that many electic items when replaced must be Flashed to your ECM, like the stereo, or the fuel pump control module, or the THROTTLE BODY!
Great post, I'm starting to have the same problem with my 2001 Tahoe with 130K on it. All eq. is original and having starting/stalling, low idle and intermittent high idle at cold start problems intermittingly from time to time. No engine codes and problem seems to go away after running for a while. Thanks for info.
 

phil57

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Figured this could be very useful if someone else has this problem. Had a rpm drop of 200rpms when coming to a complete stop, and idle surging also, which would cause the vehicle to lurch forward, almost hitting curbs and cars at lights.

Had at two different dealerships, and no one after every possible other check could not fix or find the problem. Was suggested to replace the throttle body, and even the ECM. Put a new Hitachi throttle body on the vehicle, and it fixed the issue for two days, then slowely problem returned. Did the idle relearn procedure countless times to no avail.

Finally had a diagnostician come to the house, and with a Snap On diagnostic tool found that the throttle body open position, was off by 80% of the desired position, along with a hidden lean code on both banks. The vehicle when i bought it had a Dorman TB on it, and it had the problem since I got the truck. He said that these values need to match or be within 10%, except at idle. He then adjusted the numbers with the tool. When at light throttle the vehicle indicated 15 degrees, but the desired position was at 30%. This cleared the lean codes, as it was giving fuel for much smaller than the air coming into the vehicle. The vehicle has now picked up significant power, and the gas mileage has increased, but mostly the rpm dip and idle surge have been irradicated.

Finally he explained that the idle reset only helps set the idle, but also can cause huge rpm related items. He stated that the idle relearn only helps when you clean the throttle body, but when you put in a new unit, it has to be relearned and sometimes adjusted to work correctly. Even sometimes the idle relearn, or reset does not work without a high end scan tool to adjust this, so he recommends to not clean a really dirty TB, cause it causes problems like mine, unless its original and recieves regular cleanings. He states that this applies to all 2000 to current Tahoes or Yukons, and Denali.

Ive been trying to fix this for months, and like stated, had two dealerships that couldn't figure it out. And he did it right after I explained the problem. Hopefully this will help others that have related problems.

p.s. He stated that a ECM reset does not erase the memory, or a disconnect of power as some people have discribed. The ECM has an internal storage that holds running data, that can only be erased with a proper scan tool only. The reset can fix some issues. I have found that many electic items when replaced must be Flashed to your ECM, like the stereo, or the fuel pump control module, or the THROTTLE BODY!
Good info to know. I'm having run/idle issues with my 2001 tahoe 5.3L, sounds like similar run problem but have not replaced the throttle body. Have not done any changes to the throttle body or cleaning. Idle issues are intermittent so difficult to figure out problem. Will be checking the fuel pressure to check fuel pump but replaced it a couple of yrs ago when doing brake lines and removed gas tank to place new brake lines. Don't believe its the fuel filter due to tahoe runs fine with good cold start and run usually most of the time, idle and run issues are intermittent at times. Was thinking its the EMC programing. No codes are showing on the computer for a problem.
 

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